Srinagar- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said people in the valley were facing difficulties due to intense cold conditions but the government would be able to provide uninterrupted electricity only after 100 per cent metering is achieved.
“As far as winter preparedness is concerned, there is an intense cold, and there has been a dry spell. I pray to God for snowfall so that this dry spell ends.
“Our endeavour is to minimise the power cuts, and ensure water supply even as pipes freeze due to the low temperature. Despite difficulties, our endeavour is that the government functions smoothly,” Abdullah told reporters here.
The chief minister said the complaints of unscheduled power cuts would continue “because there is pressure on the system”.
“The problem is that some people have a (load) agreement of four bulbs, but they use four heaters instead… Meter is the best way to address this, the more metering we have, the less power cuts there will be.
“I hope we take J&K to 100 percent metering so that we supply 24 hours electricity. God willing, we will achieve that very soon,” he added.
He said the government is making attempts to maintain a contact with the people and address their demands and difficulties, even as some issues will persist until statehood is restored.
“There are several issues which cannot be resolved rapidly, there are issues which cannot be dealt with under the UT and for those we have to get our state back. But, attempts are being made to at least listen to their problems and assure them that it is their own elected government and there is no issue which we will not listen to,” he said.
To a question on tourism, Abdullah said the government is making attempts to project J&K as a year-round tourist destination.
“We are hopeful that people will come and for that we need snowfall in places like Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Pahalgam. When there is snowfall, more tourists will come,” he added.
On his surprise visit to two hospitals here a day earlier, the chief minister said while the facilities at the hospitals were better, there were some complaints of absence of staff during the night.
“The situation in the hospitals is better, but there are complaints from the patients that everything is fine during the day but no one is to be seen during the night. I made a surprise visit during the day, some day, I will make a surprise visit during the night,” he said.
Meets Delegations, Vows Priority To Public Concerns
The Chief Minister met several delegations and emphasized his government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by various sectors of society.
The Chief Minister stated this during his public outreach programme at Raabita office here, where scores of delegations and individuals from various parts of Kashmir presented their concerns and demands.
The Chief Minister interacted with various stakeholders, including representatives from education, artisan, labour, and healthcare sectors, who brought forth issues requiring immediate attention.
Among the delegations, the J&K College Teachers Association urged the Chief Minister to consider the demand for enhancing the retirement age of college teachers in Jammu and Kashmir.
Kashmiri Shawl Makers Welfare Foundation, comprising artisans from different areas, highlighted the challenges faced by the traditional shawl-making trade and sought the government’s support in safeguarding their livelihood.
Similarly, a five-member delegation of Hot Mix Plant owners apprised the Chief Minister of the issues confronting their industry, requesting timely interventions.
J&K Casual Labourers United Front, led by its State President, raised concerns regarding the welfare of casual labourers, while the Physiotherapists’ deputation briefed the CM about sector-specific challenges that require redressal.
Representatives from the Health Workers Welfare Association, led by their president, presented issues impacting healthcare professionals, and the Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC) emphasized the need to address employees’ welfare comprehensively.
A delegation of Saubhagya Contractors from Ganderbal and South Kashmir sought government support to address operational hurdles in the execution of projects under the Saubhagya scheme.
The public outreach programme also saw numerous individuals meeting the Chief Minister, presenting grievances and suggestions for improvement on a number of issues affecting them.
The Chief Minister assured all deputations and individuals of a patient and responsive approach, emphasizing that their genuine concerns would be addressed on a priority basis.
Also, a joint delegation of traders of different Bazar Committees of City Centre Lal Chowk and other areas called on the Chief Minister during the programme.
The delegation apprised the Chief Minister about various issues of the trader’s community of Lal Chowk, Hari Singh High Street, Poloview, Regal Chowk, Maisuma, Court Road and other areas of the City.
They also submitted a memorandum of demands to the Chief Minister demanding development and revival of business and increased customer footfall in City Central Lal Chowk and other markets of Srinagar City.
The Chief Minister assured the delegation of redressal of the genuine concerns and issues on priority
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